Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Women’s National Team will play three consecutive matches against Japan in April 2026, in San Jose, Seattle, and Commerce City, Colorado.
- The matches will be played in venues that are home to National Women’s Soccer League teams, including PayPal Park, Lumen Field, and DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
- The USWNT has a 32W-2L-8D all-time record against Japan, with their most recent meeting resulting in a 2-1 loss for the USA.
- The matches will be broadcast on various channels, including TNT, truTV, and HBOMax in English, and Universo and Peacock in Spanish.
- Ticket presales will begin on January 26, with public sales starting on January 29.
Introduction to the USWNT vs. Japan Series
The U.S. Women’s National Team is set to return to competition in April 2026, with three consecutive matches against Japan, a long-time rival that has been a part of some of the most famous games in USWNT history. The matches will be played in venues that are home to National Women’s Soccer League teams, including PayPal Park in San Jose, Lumen Field in Seattle, and DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. The series promises to be an exciting one, with the USWNT looking to test themselves against a top-quality opponent.
The USWNT vs. Japan Rivalry
The USA-Japan rivalry is a storied one, dating back forty years to their first-ever meeting in 1986. The USWNT holds a 32W-2L-8D all-time record against Japan, with their most recent meeting resulting in a 2-1 loss for the USA at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. The teams have met in several high-profile matches over the years, including three straight world finals in the 2010s. Japan won the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup on penalty kicks, while the USWNT won the London 2012 Olympic Games and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ticket Information
Ticket presales for the USWNT vs. Japan matches will begin on January 26, with public sales starting on January 29. Fans can purchase tickets through the U.S. Soccer website, with various presale options available for U.S. Soccer Insiders and Visa cardholders. The public sale will commence on January 29, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans can also receive individual customer support and concierge services for their ticketing needs by submitting an inquiry through the U.S. Soccer website.
The Venues
The matches will be played in three different venues, each with its own unique history and characteristics. PayPal Park in San Jose has hosted several USWNT matches over the years, with the team holding a 5-1-0 record at the venue. The USWNT has also played at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, with an 8-0-1 all-time record at the venue. Lumen Field in Seattle will host the USWNT for the first time since 2017, with the team looking to secure their first win at the venue.
The Teams
The USWNT will be looking to test themselves against a top-quality opponent in Japan, who will be coming off the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The Japanese team has a strong squad, with several experienced players who have played in high-profile matches over the years. The USWNT, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their recent performances, with several young players looking to make an impact. U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps, who recently signed with the Denver Summit, will be looking to lead her team to victory against a tough opponent.
Historical Significance
The USWNT’s return to Washington state will be a special one, with the state playing a major role in the early years of the team. Several players who played for the USWNT in the 1980s hailed from Washington, including Michelle Akers and Sharon Remer (now McMurtry). The team has not played in Washington state for almost nine years, due to a lack of a suitable stadium with a grass surface. With natural grass being laid down at Lumen Field ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USWNT will play in Seattle for the first time since 2017.
Conclusion
The USWNT vs. Japan series promises to be an exciting one, with three consecutive matches against a top-quality opponent. The team will be looking to test themselves against a strong Japanese squad, with several experienced players who have played in high-profile matches over the years. With ticket presales starting on January 26 and public sales commencing on January 29, fans will have the opportunity to watch the USWNT in action against one of their toughest opponents. The series will be a great opportunity for the team to build on their recent performances and prepare for future competitions.